Week 14 - The Snowflake Ball (Crohn's, Colitis, and Colorectal Cancer)

A friend of mine is one of the organizer's of the annual Snowflake Ball, which is a big fundraiser for Crohn's, Colitis, and Colorectal Cancer. I had planned to volunteer at this amazing event on Saturday April 2nd, but then made the mistake of eating fish at a bar in the early hours of Saturday morning after frisbee. I ended up getting pretty sick, and couldn't make the event. In lieu of volunteering, I cut a cheque to support the Snowflake Ball foundation. Hopefully next year, my stomach will allow me to volunteer.

Week 13 - Ottawa Public Library Foundation

I'm a huge fan of the Ottawa Public Library. At any given time, I usually have a couple books, CDs, and DVDs out on loan. Working a block away from the main branch is fortunate, as I get to access the services they offer three days a week when I'm in the office. For the reasons above, I donated to the Ottawa Public Library Foundation. Yes, municipal tax dollars help cover the library expenses, but with a planned move to a new facility in the near future, and costs rising for materials, donations help maintain their vast array of services.

Week 12 - Japan Earthquake Relief (Red Cross Canada)

Unless you've been living under a rock, you're aware of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan on March 11th. The quake caused thousands of deaths, millions of dollars of damages, and its impact will be felt for years to come. The Canadian Red Cross responded quickly, and has of now sent $5 million to help Japan rebuild. It is a shame that the Canadian government has been too busy playing political games and has neglected to match the public's contributions. All the more reason to give to a worthy cause.